Teen injured on go-cart

MARCUS TANTILLO/Reporter

Published
7:00 pm CDT, Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Sgt. J. Ryan said the teen was riding a go-cart on the roadway, which is illegal in South Houston. He said the 13-year-old male disregarded a stop sign at the intersection at the intersection of Avenue L and Sixth Street. The go-cart collided with a Kia van driven by a 28-year-old female. The driver of the van did not have a stop sign and Ryan said it was probably difficult to see the go-cart because it was close to the ground. The collision occurred about 2:56 p.m.

Ryan said by 7:35 p.m. Tuesday the child was listed in stable condition at Hermann Memorial General Hospital. The child was transport to the hospital via helicopter.

Police are still investigating the accident to determine whether criminal charges will be filed. Ryan said aside from being illegal it is very dangerous to allow children to ride go-carts on the roadway. He reminded parents they can be held legally responsible for child endangerment as well as being civilly responsible for any damages their children cause.

He said small scooters, whether gasoline or battery powered, are also illegal to operate on the roadway. He said only a motorized wheelchair can be operated legally on a roadway without being registered.

Ryan said the law is to protect children from being hurt. He said the child was very lucky not to have been killed in the accident.

He said the motorized scooters or go-carts can only be operated on private property.